Christchurch Police have taken around $1.1 million out of the hands of organised crime following an investigation targeting cannabis cultivation on a commercial scale.
The operation's enquiries resulted in Police conducting a search warrant at a premises in Waltham on Wednesday 25 March.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman says over 1,000 cannabis plants were located at the property, ranging in different stages of maturity.
"If these plants were matured and harvested, we estimate the street value of the plants would be around $1.1 million.
"By locating and seizing these cannabis plants, we have prevented them receiving payment that would have gone to fund a range of organised criminal activity in our community.
"We will continue to target illicit drug operations on commercial scales such at this, as we see the harm it causes and the impact it has within our community every day."
Four men, aged 37 and 39, were located at the premises, taken into custody, and subsequently charged.
"We will not tolerate this type of offending, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues," says Detective Senior Sergeant Jellyman.
Police would like to acknowledge the support by members of the public around information on illegal operations occurring within their community.
"We continue to encourage the community to provide us any information on any such concerns they may have.
"This can be done online or via phone at 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111."
The men appeared in Christchurch District Court yesterday and have been remanded in custody, due to reappear on 9 April, charged with possessing cannabis for supply, cultivates cannabis, and participating in an organised criminal group.
